This is the dramatic moment locals gathered on a road next to a runway as they were blown by a powerful jet blast.

Visitors and stationary motorists watched as a Cargolux all-cargo airline plane taxied at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport in Fujian, China.

Footage shows the mighty Boeing 747 freighter being manoeuvred into position, with its tail seen nearly touching a netted perimeter barrier on December 21.

Moments later, the crowd began bracing themselves as the four-engine 'Jumbo Jet' released a powerful gust from its engines.

Dust and small debris were seen billowing into the air as the onlookers covered their ears to shield themselves from the deafening roar of the double-decker aircraft.

Nearby car alarms were triggered by the force of the wind, while surrounding trees swayed violently.

Many in the crowd were seen walking away from the area, their hair blown wild by the intense air pressure.

The Boeing 747-8 has four GEnx engines, each capable of producing over 65,000 pounds of thrust. The heat and velocity of the exhaust can be lethal. That is nearly three times the speed of a deadly hurricane.

Scientists have found that standing in the path of a jet blast is equivalent to having several tonnes of weight suddenly pushed against you. It can launch a human being through the air like a projectile.

The most well-known location for thrillseekers to experience the force of a jet blast is at Maho Beach at the Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten in the Dutch Caribbean.